Do you ever find yourself daydreaming about “waterfalls near me” in Louisville? Well, you’re most certainly in the right state! Kentucky is full of some of the most wondrous waterfalls in the country, and Louisville is just a stone’s throw from some of the state’s finest. And don’t worry — there are some truly beautiful Kentucky waterfalls that don’t require driving almost three hours to Cumberland Falls. Listed below are eight amazing waterfalls near Louisville that are just a quick drive away. Ready for some waterfall chasing in the Bluegrass State? Let’s go!
Located just about 25 minutes from downtown Louisville, Fairmont Falls is one of the largest falls you can find in the area. Get out your hiking shoes and go explore these beautiful falls -- just make sure you reserve a permit ahead of time.
2. Beckley Creek
Beckley Creek Parkway, Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY, USA
Located in East Louisville, Beckley Creek Park has amazing hiking trails and a lovely waterfall. This park offers many ways to relax in nature and one of the best is this boardwalk hike in Kentucky. This easy path leads to incredibly scenic views, waterfalls included, making this park a perfect place for a romantic stroll or solitary hike.
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3. McNeely Lake Park
McNeely Lake Park Road, McNeely Lk Pk Rd, Louisville, KY 40229, USA
In addition to fishing, boating, kayaking, and grilling out with the family, McNeely Lake is a beautiful place to hike. Its falls are among the most beautiful in Kentucky and especially the Louisville area.
4. Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, 12501 Harmony Landing Rd, Goshen, KY 40026, USA
Outdoor adventures about at this 170-acre nature preserve filled with beautiful Kentucky nature to hike through and even camp in. Listen to the water trickle down rocky falls as you walk through this 170-acre nature preserve that offers a range of activities that are perfect for the family, including nine miles of trails, a playground, an educational nature center, and various monthly events. The Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve makes for a perfect family-friendly day trip.
5. Falls of the Ohio
Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area, Falls of the Ohio Nat'l Wildlife Conservation Area, Louisville, KY 40212, USA
Located just across the river, the Falls of the Ohio is a beautiful place to enjoy waterfalls while viewing the 390 million-year-old fossils beneath your feet. (It's also a picture-perfect place to catch a beautiful sunset!) The park's interpretation center is a must-visit and features history exhibits about the fossils that remain here.
6. Clifty Falls State Park
Clifty Falls State Park, 2221 Clifty Dr, Madison, IN 47250, USA
Located about an hour away from Louisville, this waterfall is the farthest on our list but also among the most beautiful. Its rock beds are also filled with fossil remnants of prehistoric marine life, making for a very interesting park to explore! We absolutely adore Clifty Falls State Park.
7. Tioga Falls
Louisville Nashville Turnpike, West Point, KY 40177, USA
With 600 acres of nature to explore, you'll never grow tired of Broad Run Park, part of the acclaimed Louisville Parklands. Its beautiful waterfalls and hiking trails are great places to start enjoying Kentucky nature.
Did you like this list of Louisville waterfalls? Are you still wondering about “waterfalls near me” in Kentucky? Check out our feature article about the best waterfalls in the Bluegrass State — there’s sure to be a fabulous fall near you! If you know of any other beautiful waterfalls hiding across Louisville, let us know in the comments below.
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More to Explore
Hiking Trails In Louisville With Waterfalls
Sarah M.|April 20, 2022
What are some beautiful waterfall trails near Louisville?
There's nothing quite like a waterfall hike, is there? Luckily for people in Louisville, there are some truly beautiful waterfalls... all within reach! A bit about two waterfalls in particular:
The waterfall at Fairmount Falls Park is one of the most beautiful, yet elusive, waterfalls in Kentucky. Why? Because entry to the elusive Fairmount Falls is limited to just three vehicles per day, and you have to obtain a permit beforehand from the Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center. But the permits are free, and the hike to the falls is actually quite well-paved and easy to navigate once you're in the park.
After a healthy rainfall when the water is flowing, Fairmount Falls can actually be seen from the trail just off the parking area.
In terms of the trek, this one-mile, out-and-back trail at Fairmount Falls is quite lovely, passing numerous smaller cascades and picturesque streams, making this a wonderful adventure for waterfall chasers young and old!
If you're up for a quick drive to the state's lovely capitol, there's a beautiful waterfall that's just waiting to be admired at Cove Spring Park.
Cove Spring Park is a 250-acre park that's positively bursting with natural beauty, with babbling streams, striking ravines, buzzing wetlands, lush forests, and picturesque waterfalls.
